Context

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani arrived in the Uzbek capital Tashkent on Thursday for a two-day official visit. Gillani also recently visited Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

The prime minister will meet the Uzbek leadership and discuss ways to improve regional situation and bilateral ties. During this visit, Pakistan will sign a memorandum of understanding with Uzbekistan for collaboration in the areas of veterinary sciences and animal husbandry and the restoration of a cultural program. In addition, two governments would also sign an agreement on transport and transit of goods, and discuss matters related to militancy and drug trade.

Islamabad is seeking assistance from Tashkent to help meet its rising energy needs. Uzbekistan is already supplying electrical power to Afghanistan and has expressed its desire to cooperate in constructing and planning hydel projects in Pakistan.

According to Associated Press of Pakistan, the talks would also focus on the situation of Afghanistan. Pakistan is seeking support from Tashkent for it’s full membership to Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

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